#KEEP POUNDING Jeff Erickson

My nephew Allan suffered a double whammy this week. Four months ago his dad Jeff Erickson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. On the very same day Jeff's mom and Alan's grandmother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Jeff and Allan went to visit her in Florida. Allan had to come home early and Jeff, who was still in Florida, had to be hospitalized and have a tube inserted because his medications were affecting his body. We didn't think he would make it back to NC but being the fighter he is he not only made it back but held on for 5 months living life to it's fullest with his only son Allan despite the pain and the devastation the horrible disease was talking on his body. He couldn't eat and was losing weight every day. But still, he kept plugging along. Allan brought him home a smoothie every night. For a young man Allan took on alot of responsibilities that most people would have crumbled under pressure. He moved out of his apartment and in with his dad and took over the role of caregiver and breadwinner. For a 25 year old that is alot of responsibilities but held his head up and did what he needed to do. Allan inherited his love of sports from his dad. Jeff coached his Little League up until he was no longer allowed then sat on the sidelines cheering his boy on like the proud father that he was. They went snowboarding, played frisbee golf, and were truly the most dedicated Carolina Panthers fans you will ever find. They always watched the NFL drafts and had a group that played fantasy football. They went to as many of their games as possible, their favorite being their first playoff game at home. They watched hockey and went to the Carolina Hurricanes games when possible. They were inseparable and when Allan went to college at UNC which mahe his Duke fan mom upset his dad was there every weekend Allan wasn't home. Anyone from Wilmington NC who knew Jeff Erickson remember him from the old Mad Monk days or from his work at his own business laying carpet which is hard manual labor. Alot of people knew him from the Discount House. He had may friends but his best friend and biggest accomplishment was his son Allan. Jeff had no insurance and the bills piled up from the hospital and day to day living since he was unable to work. On Monday, June 19th word came that Jeff's mom passed away from her colon cancer. Two days later on Wednesday, June 21st Allan came home to find his dad on the couch deceased. Something I know he will remember forever. He called his mom, who had been separated from Jeff for many years but remained close. Never a harsh word was spoken between them. Jeff was cremated and it's not as cheap as you would think and a celebration of his life is being held Saturday July 1st at the Williams house on Cherokee Trail from 2-5. All who knew Jeff Erickson is welcome. Now is when the bills are going to start coming in and Allan, who left his apartment and roommate to move in to a house and take care of his dad is going to stay there and take over his dad's home. Although he works a full time job at an excellent company he is going to be responsible for alot of debt. Any help would be greatly appreciated to help this young man who adored his father and had did everything he could to help his dad got a little help himself. His dad was a great man and made Allan the great man he is today